After 30 years of using TV and computer monitor boxes for a paint booth, I finally broke down and built a proper one.  Besides, current versions of TV and monitor boxes just don't have the right form factor.

I spent some time between holiday celebrations adding DCC decoders to some older engines to flesh out the Great Western motive power fleet.  While I am striving for prototypical accuracy. modeling the GWRy motive power offers some challenges,

The New Great Western upper level bench work, track work and wiring is complete and it has had its inaugural operating session.  Success!

After a lot of fun with foam, the upper level benchwork for the new Great Western is installed and ready for track. All that remains is to install the Masonite backdrop.

This is the right side of the center peninsula. The Loveland GW yard is on the right, the I-25 overpass at Birds is at the lower rear and Officer Jct is in the lower front. One side of Johnstown and the start of the Welty Branch with sugar beet dumps is on the top.  The new fascia is not painted satin black yet.

Sorry, the original post for this topic has been removed.

The 2” extruded foam in my benchwork has a much larger role than just a “supporting actor” (i.e., supporting the roadbed and scenery). It is an integrated part of the light weight benchwork for my upper level.  I have been using foam benchwork for a number of years and have learned a few tricks along the way.  Some of the tricks may be unnecessary but as I’ve always said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.”

Hi All,

I’ve posted on this forum a few times with tips on various techniques I’ve developed while building my new layout.  The layout is based on the Great Western Railway in Northern Colorado which served the sugar beet industry in the area. The GWR was started in 1901 and still exists today even though the sugar beet industry is gone.  I’m modeling the late 1950s when sugar beet processing was still a big business. Both steam and diesel locomotives were in use then.